The Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities is a community-owned document that sets forth the University’s values and expectations for resolving conflicts and is intended to maintain a campus climate that supports learning for all students.

Similar to policies articulating standards for academic behavior within the University’s schools and colleges, the Statement sets forth the expectations for non-academic behavior for all students.

What is the purpose of the University of Michigan’s Resolution Process?

The U-M community has provided OSCR with the Resolution Process as a means of providing a timely, just, and educational response to behavior which “goes against the values of the University community”. (Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities)

This process is contained within a community-owned document called the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Per the Statement: “The University considers the procedures for resolving disputes a part of its educational mission.”

Can faculty or staff members use the Resolution Process?

Yes. OSCR’s resolution process is available for faculty or staff members who have a conflict with a student. Faculty and staff can pursue formal conflict resolution (FCR) by filing a complaint against a student, and/or may pursue adaptable conflict resolution (ACR) by consulting with OSCR staff.

Must I have directly witnessed an incident in order to file a complaint?

No. A student, faculty member, or staff member may submit a complaint based upon information reported to that person.

What kinds of behaviors are addressed by the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities?

Behaviors which are inconsistent with the values of the University community are listed in Section IV of the Statement.

Are all students accountable to the Statement?

Yes. The Statement applies to all undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor.

Having reviewed the Resolution Process articulated in the Statement, I desire a more informal avenue to address the conflict I am facing. What are my options?

OSCR offers a robust adaptable conflict resolution (ACR) service. ACR refers to a range of approaches that promote peaceful conflict resolution outside of the formal Resolution Process.

Common forms of alternative conflict resolution include:

Mediation
Facilitated Dialogue
Restorative Justice Circles

You can learn more about OSCR’s ACR services here.

Can the Resolution Process be used to address issues related to student academic misconduct?

No. Concerns about student academic misconduct should be referred to the appropriate school or college. A web page with links to academic integrity policies at each U-M school or college may be found here: http://www.crlt.umich.edu/faculty/honor.html

My school / college / department has a policy in place to respond to student behavioral misconduct. How can I best determine whether I should pursue my concerns with them or with OSCR?

“Within the University, entities (such as schools and colleges; campus, professional, and student organizations) have developed policies that outline standards of conduct governing their constituents and that sometimes provide procedures for sanctioning violations of those standards. This Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities (the Statement) does not replace those standards; nor does it constrain the procedures or sanctions provided by those policies.”

“The Statement will be used to address violations of those policies only if the violation warrants a process or a sanction beyond what is available in these policies. In such cases, policy adjudicators may take intermediate action regarding a complaint as defined by their individual policy; however, final resolution will occur under the procedures outlined in this Statement.”

(Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities)

Can the Resolution Process be used to address a complaint against another faculty or staff member?

No. Please consult your Human Resources representative to determine the most appropriate venue for your concern.

Does the Statement also apply to the Dearborn and Flint campuses?

No. Both campuses have their own policies and protocols that you can review here:

U-M Dearborn http://www.umd.umich.edu/policies_st-rights/
U-M Flint http://www.umflint.edu/safety/policy/rights.htm

When allegations of a Statement violation are made, will OSCR investigate?

OSCR will thoroughly review all information provided by all parties. OSCR will not conduct an inquiry or require people to participate or submit information.

While at the initial stages of a case, OSCR may dismiss a complaint as baseless or otherwise unsupported by the evidence, or determine that the alleged behavior does not fit within the purview of the Statement. Beyond this initial review, OSCR’s role is to ensure that the Resolution Process is followed.

Can a complaint be filed in response to an incident that took place off campus?

Yes. Per the Statement:

“Behavior which occurs in the city of Ann Arbor, on University controlled property, or at University sponsored events / programs may violate the Statement. Behavior which occurs outside the city of Ann Arbor or outside University controlled property may violate the Statement only if the behavior poses an obvious and serious threat or harm to any member(s) of the University community.”

I suspect one of my students is involved with OSCR. How can I find out?

OSCR protects student confidentiality in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). For more information on FERPA, click here.

How can I make my students more aware of OSCR services?

Please mention OSCR services and contact information in your syllabus and as relevant in your interactions with students.
We also offer a variety of presentations and workshops about our services and conflict resolution. If you would like to request a workshop, you may do so here.

How can I become more involved with OSCR?

Learn how to get involved with OSCR here.

I am helping to create a document similar or related to The Statement. Can I contact OSCR for assistance?

Yes. OSCR would be happy to share expertise about student conflict resolution. Contact us.